Northwest Outings

On the road for April 22: Carnival & Silent Auction

ON THE ROAD Carnival & Silent Auction

On the road for April 8: Kitsap Antique Show

‘Hunger Games’ stars visit Seattle

The movie version of “The Hunger Games,” based on the best-selling young adult series by Suzanne Collins, is opening March 23. But you can meet its stars Saturday at University Village in Seattle.

Hike of the week: Paul Peak Trail to Mowich River

Hike description: The Paul Peak Trail is scorned by some as a "reverse hike." That is, the trail goes down on the way in and up on the way out. For those with a summit orientation, this makes no sense. But if your goal is to find a nice destination, whether up or down, this is a great trail. The trail goes through some of Mount Rainier’s wonderful old-growth forest and takes you to a lunch spot by the North Mowich River. And, if your knees/feet/legs don't enjoy going downhill, this hike has you doing that part of the hike at the start of the day when your body is fresh. After lunch by the river, with the opportunity to soak your feet in cold water, you are ready for the uphill trek out.

Weekend getaway: May Day Metric

What: Pick a tour named after a Hostess dessert and spend the day pedaling around Federal Way. The Ho-Ho-Ville route is 50 miles. The Twinkie-Land is 100 kilometers and the Ding Dong Station Mountain Route is 104 miles. Ride organizers describe the event as a "challenging and hilly ride."

Hike of the week: Cedar River Trail

Description: The trail follows the river from where it enters Lake Washington in Renton upriver to the community of Landsburg at the boundary of the city of Seattle's Cedar River Watershed. The total length of the trail is 17.3 miles, with the western 12.3 miles paved and ADA accessible. Hikers, bicyclists, joggers and equestrians use the soft surface of the eastern 5 miles.

Weekend getaway: Anniversary Volksmarch

What: The Daffodil Valley Volks-sport Association celebrates its 25th anniversary with 5K and 10K walks in Puyallup.

Weekend getaway: Crystal Mountain Schlittentag

What: Crystal Mountain's annual dummy downhill is no more. This year, the dummies will be replaced with you. In a dummy downhill, competitors make an unmanned contraption to sled down the hill. This year, Red Bull is sponsoring the Schlittentag (German for sledding day), a similar competition with the notable exception that one of the three team members must pilot the sled. Winners are judged on speed, craftsmanship and style, but mostly style.

Hike of the week: Fragrance Lake Loop

Hike description: Fragrance Lake is one of the many treasures in the Chuckanut Mountain Recreation Area, an area on the outskirts of Bellingham managed jointly by the city Bellingham, Whatcom County and state parks departments, and state Fish and Wildlife Department.

Hike of the week: Big Creek Falls

Hike description: The hike to Big Creek Falls is a notable early and late season hike. If you hike it early, you will want to return in the fall when the autumn colors are out and the waterfalls are lively. The elevation gain is modest, making this an excellent beginner or family hike.